Stainless Steel Mirror by General Tools - for inspection of hard-to-reach work places with high temperatures.
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Resists breaking and melting in high-heat conditions.
Handle extends from 10 3/4 to 26 inch for easy access to hard to reach places.
Swivel head with ball joint can be positioned to any angle.
2 x 3-3/4 inch Rectangular.
MA-SM8 - Telescopic Inspection Mirror - 3 3/4 Round
MA-SM6 - Telescopic Inspection Mirror - 1-1/4 X 2
If youre just getting started as an HVAC service technician, youre going to need tools. This HVAC technician tool list will help you identify what you need most.
Here in the NYC area, its customary for employers to provide the most expensive items, such as a reciprocating saw, cordless drill, vacuum pump, refrigerant recovery machine, refrigerant scales, and leak detectors. These are standard equipment items on a service techs truck.
However, technicians are expected to purchase a set of basic hand tools and a few additional items. That said, you should know that most employers will provide replacements or reimbursements if your tools get broken or damaged on the job.
Its important to purchase only what you really need so youre not lugging around an unnecessarily heavy tool bag all day (especially working in the city where you may be parking blocks away from job sites).
So, what exactly do you need to get started as a service tech? Heres the essential HVAC technician tool list.
TIP: use the numbers to identify the item in the photo above.
(17) Utility knife. This tool will come in handy every day for everything from cutting insulation to cutting open boxes of parts. Dont forget to include extra blades.
(16) Service wrench. This is an indispensable tool thats used to open and close refrigeration valves on compressors as well as settling tanks for torching.
Inspection mirror. Its common for technicians to need to read numbers or inspect welding joints on the back of a pipe that are impossible to see. This handy tools solves that problem. Hold an inspection mirror behind what you need to see and tilt it to see the reflection in the mirror.
Sheet metal shears. Service techs dont usually build or install ductwork, but they do need to cut holes in metal ductwork. Red and green sheet metal shears allow you to make cuts in different directions. We recommend 12 long shears with a 3 bite.
Tube and pipe cutters. HVAC service techs need to cut copper and PVC pipes and tubes. Youll need a small cutter for pipe diameters below 1 ¼ inches, and a larger tubing cutter for pipes up 1 ¾.
Cordless drill set. Even though your employer may provide this item, youre probably going to want one for personal use. If so, be sure to get an impact/hammer drill combo with 12V or higher lithium-ion battery with a 1-hour charger. You can get everything in a kit that includes various chucks, drivers, and bits such as Phillips head, 1/4 and 5/16.
Combo (3) linesman or (4) needle nose pliers with wire strippers & crimpers. Why carry pliers PLUS extra tools for cutting, crimping, and stripping wire (5) ? Instead, get a linesman or needlenose combo tool that can do all those jobs.
(10) 11-in-one screwdriver. Again, this is a no-brainer. Instead of multiple screwdrivers and other one-task tools, get this handy 11-in-one tool. We recommend one with an insulated handle for safety when working with electronics.
(9) Long neck nut driver set. Service techs need to get into tight spaces when working on equipment. A set of long neck nut drivers is essential: look for 1/4 in., 5/16 in., 3/8 in. and 1/2 in.
(11) Pipe wrenches. In the picture above youll see a traditional red handle heavy metal pipe wrench, which does the job. However, we recommend getting the aluminum handle versions that weigh much less! Youll need a 14 and an 8 pipe wrench.
(7) Adjustable wrenches. Youll need 6 and 8 adjustable wrenches.
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(8) Channel locks. These replace carrying a second set of pipe & adjustable wrenches. Look for a set of 8, 10 and 12 channel locks.
(14) Pipe caliper. This is a super-helpful tool thats used for measuring pipe sizes.
Thermostat/tech screwdriver. Youll need a small screwdriver with a narrow head to take the covers off thermostats.
(6) Allen wrench set. HVAC equipment manufacturers dont all use the same units of measurement. So youll need sets of allen wrenches for imperial and metric sizes.
(12) Fuse puller. This is the proper tool for safely pulling a fuse from its holder.
(18) Level. When installing thermostats or equipment, this tool is important to ensure proper leveling of the surface. A magnetic version is ideal.
Hammer. Youll need one, but the type doesnt matter. A lightweight version is fine.
(15) Handheld electronic thermometer(s). There are many varieties that all do the job. We recommend one that punctures flexible ductwork so you can read the air temperature. Its also helpful to have both contact and non-contact versions.
(13) Multimeter. This is a voltage tester for troubleshooting electronic components of the system. Be sure to get a version thats designed specifically for HVAC technicians. Youll see a temperature bulb symbol on the meter. It also will come with a thermocouple (an air temperature sensor that straps onto a pipe), and amp probes for reading amps on a motor. Heres an article that reviews various models.
Digital refrigerant gauges. Dont get an old-school analog version. Digital versions are more expensive but totally worth it because they do the calculations for you. This not only saves you a lot of time, it also prevents errors from manual calculations. You simply put your gauges on, put on clamps and temperature sensors, and you see all the information you need on the screen. Some models will even provide troubleshooting tips based on the readings. Some connect to apps on your to help you see whats going on with the system.
Digital probes. Diagnosing air conditioning and refrigeration problems requires measuring pressures and temperatures within the system. A set of digital probes gives you fast and accurate high-side and low-side readings.
Valve core removal tool. This tool is essential for evacuation and recovery of refrigerant, which youll do in the process of installing and replacing equipment. Removing the valve core allows unrestricted flow to speed up the process. Look for one that is rated for both vacuum and pressure conditions.
Filter puller. Unfortunately, HVAC systems are not always designed with maintenance in mind. Sometimes filters can be hard to access. This tool has a telescoping handle that gives you additional reach and a hook to easily grab and pull the filter towards you.
HVAC tool bag. There are many ways to carry around your tools, but for an HVAC service tech, a bag designed for what you do will make your day easier! There are various models by Vetco, CLC and other manufacturers. They have lots of pockets designed to provide easy access to all the tools you use regularly in an easy-to-carry backpack.
Black markers. HVAC equipment items are often tagged with maintenance logs. Youll use a permanent marker to record your service or maintenance work on these logs. Youll also use them to make marks on metal piping.
(1) Safety glasses. You dont want debris, chemicals, or flying objects to damage your eyes. Play it safe!
(2) Gloves. HVAC service technicians handle dangerous refrigerant chemicals. Proper protection for your hands is essential.
(19) Tape measure with magnetic tip. You might already have at least one in your toolbox. But its worth investing in one with a magnetic tip. A 25 foot tape measure is sufficient.
Rechargeable flashlight (USB). This item can cost $50-$60, but its small and easy to carry, and saves you money on batteries. It will last you for many years. Just charge it while you drive, and youll never be caught without a light.
Watch our training videos for more tips and information to jump-start your career as a service technician!
Thanks to Raphy Caba, Field Supervisor at Donnelly Mechanical, for providing information and photos for this article.
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